Complete Streets Forum 2013: Register Today!

TCAT is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2013 Complete Streets Forum, our sixth annual active transportation conference. The conference will take place on May 27, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. The Share the Road Cycling Coalition Ontario Bike Summit 2013 will take place on May 28-29th at the same location. We are pleased to offer joint registration for both conferences at a discounted rate.

At TCAT we tackle Complete Streets design challenges, facilitate Complete Streets policy implementation across the country, conduct innovative research projects that measure public opinion and economic impacts of reallocating road space to active transportation, and work closely with public health to effectively engage the public and deepen cross-sector collaboration. Our approach is reflected in the program of the 2013 Forum program centering on three themes with a focus on real-world problems and evidence-based solutions, the nuts and bolts of what works and what doesn’t, and new approaches to community engagement.

New for the 2013 Forum:

Four mobile and two hands-on workshops integrated right into the program: start the day off right at 8:30 a.m. and choose between a bike ride to look at innovative design, a walking tour to explore upcoming walk-friendly projects, or dive right into rich content matter presented by our impressive line-up of break-out parallel session speakers.

Plenary session opening at 10:45 with remarks by Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health (read about Toronto Public Health’s groundbreaking reports linking the built environment, active transportation and health here), Stephen Buckley, Toronto’s new General Manager of Transportation recruited from Philadelphia where he oversaw the development of their Complete Streets Design Handbook released in 2012, and Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto’s new chief planner and vocal advocate of walking and cycling.

Morning keynote by Jerry Dobrovolny, P.Eng, MBA, Director of Transportation for the City of Vancouver. Vancouver has shown great leadership in Canada by fast-tracking improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. With 300 staff, Mr. Dobrovolny is responsible for implementing the Transportation 2040 Plan approved by Council in 2012 with ambitious multi-modal targets of two-thirds of all trips to be made by foot, bike or transit and aligned with the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.

A plenary panel to explore the incredible potential for active transportation within the new Metrolinx investment strategy. The Big Move is an overarching ambitious regional transportation plan to dramatically improve transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). By June of 2013, Metrolinx will deliver its recommendation to the province and GTHA municipal governments on how to pay for these transportation investments.

Closing the day on a high note with a terrific event featuring evening keynote speaker Gabe Klein, Chicago Transportation Commissioner, responsible for implementing 100 miles of protected bike lanes in Toronto’s sister city, and a reception at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio.

Last year’s Forum sold out within a month, prior to the early-bird pricing deadline. We’ve booked a larger venue this year but please register early to avoid disappointment.